Are You a Well-Mannered Motorist?

Hey, you! Don’t be a bad driver! There are a few behaviors that are especially harmful, and we want you to break these bad habits now. It could save a life, or at the least, save someone from experiencing road rage.

• Stop using your cell phone while you’re driving – you got it, no texting or calling. If you absolutely have to make a phone call, at least invest in Bluetooth devices or put it on speaker so you have both hands on the wheel.
• Stop cutting people off. You know that driver who cuts across four lanes of traffic because they almost missed their turn? Yeah, don’t be that person. It puts others in danger and is bad for your car. Plan ahead! And don’t always trust your GPS – those pesky last minute recalculations will get you. It’s safer to simply turn around further up the road.
• Don’t tailgate! There should be ample space between you and the driver in front of you in the event that someone needs to make an emergency stop. No one likes getting rear ended.
• Learn how to merge. Drivers who don’t know how to merge into another lane smoothly cause some of the worst accidents and pile ups.

The Perfect Summer Road Trip Requires More Than Just Junk in the Trunk

If you’re getting ready to roll into your first summer road trip, the only thing on your mind is all the fun ahead of you.  Swimsuit, sunblock, and phone charger packed?  Check.  Sunglasses?  Yep.  What about the inflatable beach ball you forgot last year?  Done.  You even remembered extra towels–you’re good!   You understand how important it is to plan ahead.

But what’s rattling around behind you is just as important, maybe even more so.   We’re sure you’ve heard the common phrase, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”  It applies to packing for your summer road trip too!  Tackle any problem that might pop up while you’re on the road by making sure you’ve got these essential items stowed in your trunk:

Tire-Changing Equipment (sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget!)

Jumper Cables

Road Atlas (because phones die and there’s not service everywhere.  Yes, we’re serious.)

Gas cans (fill ‘em up before you hit the road)

First Aid Kit

Camera (it’s a good idea to keep a cheap disposable in your trunk at all times, not just for capturing memories but to use for documentation in case of a car accident)

Thoughts After Getting A New Car

Buying a new car is an exciting accomplishment! You think about great gas mileage, superior technology, and a smoother, better looking ride. It's what comes next that you don't expect. Have you ever experienced any of these thoughts after buying a new car?

1. "Uh oh, all of these cars look really dangerous and everyone here is probably a bad driver... I better park my car really far away from everyone." Next thing you know, you're walking really far through the parking lot to get inside the mall or grocery store.

2. "Hmm, we are going to be out of toilet paper two days from now... better head to the store to get some right now." Suddenly, the most mundane errands don't seem so bad anymore with your new car!

3. You used to never volunteer to drive places, but now you can't wait to show off your car to your friends and family!

How to Stop a Car Accident Before You Even Get in the Car

-Put the cell phone down. 
Turn it off if the sound of a text alert or call will tempt you to check it.  This seems like an obvious one, but according to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at ANY given daylight moment in America.

-Don’t eat or drink while driving.  
It’s tempting to swing by a drive-thru and hop back on the road to make good time on your trip. But think about the risks involved–fiddling with wrappers, finding condiment packages, and dealing with the mess made are all distractions that take your eyes off the road.  Think about whether shaving that extra hour off your trip is worth cutting your life or the lives of others short.

-Clean up & fuel up.
Make sure your windshield is clean, oil changed, and vehicle generally maintained BEFORE you start your travels! Seeing your check engine light switch on or struggling with low visibility due to windshield grime is an avoidable distraction–so avoid it.

4 Questions You've Wanted to Ask About Tires - Answered

Tires won’t last forever, but if you maintain them properly you won’t be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Tire failure is a serious problem, and if it happens while you’re driving it can be catastrophic.  So how do you know your tires are at the end of their rope?

How often should I have my tires inspected?
Check tire pressure once a month and have your Service Manager inspect your tires when you are in for service.

What factors affect tire wear?
Driving habits and the road conditions can affect the wear of your tires, as well as over- or under-inflation, improper alignment setting, improper balance, and spring or shock wear.

How often should my tires be rotated?
On average, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles.

When should I replace my tires?
Tires must be replaced whenever there is 2/32 of an inch of tread or less remaining on the tire.

Five Tips To Make Sure Your Car is Spring Ready

1. Welcome Spring with a car wash, get rid of the snow, ice and dirt that has been on your car for months! It is important to wash underneath your vehicle, there may be a buildup of road salt which could cause corrosion.
2. Wax on don’t let that wax come off. Experts say that liquid waxes do better than spray and paste and can add extra shine.
3. Remove the Starbucks cups and extra pairs of gloves you have thrown in the backseat.
4. Vacuum and power wash your carpets; let them completely dry before putting them back in your vehicle.
5. Winter can take a toll on your wind shield wipers so make sure to replace them before spring showers.

How to Change a Tire in 9 Easy Steps

Having a flat tire and not knowing how to change it can make you feel helpless. Changing a tire is easy enough to do, and everyone should have a general idea of what's involved:

Secure the vehicle so that it won't roll; and roll the spare tire to the scene of the action.

Never change a tire on an incline or hill; always seek a flat surface, even if it means driving on a flat tire. Use bricks, wooden wedges, or metal wheel chocks to block the wheels at the opposite end of the car from the end that is to be raised.

Pry off the wheel cover.

You can use a screwdriver to pry the wheel cover off. Just insert the point of the tool where the edge of the cover meets the wheel, and apply a little leverage. The cap should pop off. You may have to do this in a couple of places, as if you were prying the lid off a can of paint.

Loosen the lug nuts.

 You might know this as breaking the lug nuts. Whatever you call it, find the end of the wrench that fits the lug nuts on your vehicle, and fit it onto the first nut. Apply all your weight to the bar on the left. This starts turning the nut counterclockwise, which loosens it. Don't remove the lug nuts completely; just get them loose enough to remove by hand after you jack up the vehicle. A hollow pipe and a cross-shaft wrench can loosen the tightest lug nuts.

If you have alloy wheels that are held on by lug nuts with delicate finishes, the delicate aluminum or chrome-plated lug nuts need careful handling. They should never be loosened or replaced with power tools that can scratch the delicate finish.

Jack up the vehicle about 6 inches off the ground.

Place the jack securely under the edge of the car. Proper locations may vary among vehicle models, so consult the owner's manual for the right places to put the jack. 
If you have a scissor jack (image a), insert the rod or wrench over the knob, and then crank. If you have a hydraulic jack (image b), place the handle into the appropriate location and pump up and down. Use nice, even strokes, taking the jack handle from its lowest point to its highest point on each stroke to cut down on the labor involved.

Remove the flat tire.

Take the lug nuts completely off by hand and put them in a safe place — inside the wheel cover or hub cap works well. Grasp the flat tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you. As you pull the flat off, it should slide along the bolts until it clears the end of the bolts and you find yourself supporting its full weight. Roll the flat along the ground to the rear of the vehicle to get it out of the way.

Lift the spare onto the lug bolts.

Because tires are heavy, you may have a little trouble lifting the spare into place — especially if you're not accustomed to lifting heavy things.

Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.

Give each lug nut a jolt with the wrench to get it firmly into place, but wait until the car is on the ground before you really try to tighten the lug nuts.

Lower the vehicle and tighten the lugnuts.

After the vehicle is resting on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as you can.

Replace the wheel cover or hubcap.

If your car has wheel covers with a delicate finish, the owner's manual should provide instructions for replacing it. If your car has hubcaps, place the hubcap against the wheel and whack it into place with the heel of your hand. Cushion your hand with a soft rag first so that you won't hurt it. And don't hit the hubcap with a wrench or hammer — you'll dent it.

(Courtesy of Dummies.com)

Pet Travel Tips!

It's usually not as easy as you think it would be. Bringing your best non-human friend on the road with you seems simple enough, right? Not always so. Here are a few tips on how to make travel with your pet easier.

Healthy Start: The last thing you need on the road is a sick pet. Make sure your pet is all set on vaccinations and has the proper certificates if you intend to cross any international/province/state borders. 

 

Frequent Pit Stops:  You pet can get stir crazy just like you! Stop at any designated waiting area or service stop and take it on a little walk. This may increase your travel time, but it is well worth it! Breaks like these also serve as a perfect time to hydrate.

 

Proper Restraint:  Whether your pet is calm and obedient in the car it is always important to make sure they are safe. No need to roll the windows down for fresh air, you don't want any debris hitting them in the face. A favorite blanket or pet bed is perfect for a long road trip. Creating a normalcy and routine for car rides helps your pet stay calm. 

 

There are lots of other ways to make you and your pet calm during a car ride lasting anywhere between 5 minutes and 8 hours. Thank you!

 

(Courtesy of Tripswithpets.com)

Spring Is Here! Time For Fun!

Spring provides such wonderful weather in almost every location. It's a wonderful time for the family to head outdoors and soak up some sun, whether it's at a picnic or at an outdoor athletic event. It really is the perfect time for families to become even closer.

Here are some reasons why spring is the best for family fun!

1. Ideal temperatures -- It's not too hot, it's not too cold. The kids can run around to their heart's content without getting all sweaty and dehydrated.
2. Fun sights and sounds -- Is there anything better than heading out the door and hearing the birds chirp, watching squirrels run by, and seeing your little ones squeal with delight upon spotting them? Nope.
3. Daily trips to the park -- On any given spring day, there's really no better place to hang out with a toddler than the playground. They get to let off some steam, play with other kids, and since the weather is nice (see number one), you don't have to worry about the equipment being too hot for them to touch.
4. Learning experiences -- Now that the snow has melted, you gotta get the yard and garden back in order. Kids love to feel like they're helping out mommy, so you can turn any outdoor project into an educational experience -- even though they'll only see it as fun.
5. Fresh air is great for sleep -- For whatever reason, the kiddos sleep so much better after they've had a good dose of fresh air. Even something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood in the stroller is guaranteed to give your child (and you) a few extra z's at night.

What's your favorite part about spring? Let us know in the comments section below! 

Fast Charging For SparkEV Now In Sacramento!

The first station for SparkEV fast charging (about 60 miles in 20 minutes) is now operational at SMUD headquarters.  Additional stations will soon follow.  The next one is planned for I-80 and Antelope.

Terrifying Commutes from Around the World

Tired of rush-hour traffic? Exhausted from hour-long drives to work? These people's commutes will make yours look like a walk in the park!


1. Anyone who has to drive along the North Yungas Road in Bolivia. Where's that horse and buggy when you need it?

 

 

 

2. Anyone hoping to get on this train in Beijing. Claustrophobia is a valid excuse for being late to work... we hope.

 

 

3. Anyone who constantly has to risk their life by driving under the Devil’s Nose. Must be quite a sight when it rains.

 

 

 

4. Anyone who has no choice but using a zip line to get to town in Colombia. For a handful of families living there, zip lines are the only way to cross a river and not a source of recreational amusement.

 

 

 

5. Anyone who has to cross the Hussaini Bridge in Kashmir. The bridge divides a village in two - on one side are houses, on the other are farms. What was that old saying about a house divided?